Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
- Check if the plant is in direct, harsh afternoon sun.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on the new growth or undersides of leaves.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. Follow up with an insecticidal soap or neem oil application every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day but look normal in the morning.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure it stays well watered to help it handle the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your perilla
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If you see a heavy infestation of aphids, act immediately to prevent them from spreading to other plants. Minor curling from heat is usually temporary.
Stopping it coming back
Check your plants weekly for pests and keep them out of extreme, direct afternoon sun.
Perilla: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your perilla and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I just pick the aphids off?
- You can, but they reproduce quickly. Using insecticidal soap is much more effective for a total cleanup.
- Do curling leaves mean my plant is dying?
- Not necessarily. It is a stress response that is usually reversible once you address the pests or heat.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Perilla
- Why is my perilla plant drooping?
- Why does my perilla have spots on its leaves?
- Why does my Perilla have bugs?
- Why is my Perilla growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Perilla leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Perilla leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Perilla dropping its leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my Perilla?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.